We are committed to supporting our students and their families as they transition to the next step after True North. Students also receive significant support from peers and staff as they prepare to graduate the program. Our dedicated Transition Coordinator works one-on-one with students every day throughout the final phase of the program to ensure that students solidify new strategies and skills and are prepared to continue the success they establish at True North in the next phase of their journey. The Transition Coordinator supports graduating students as they complete various projects that help to clarify and solidify their experience and contribute to the positive momentum and self- confidence that characterizes a graduate of True North.
Personal Portfolio
Students will prepare a personal transition portfolio to take with them when they graduate the program. The transition portfolio is designed by each of our students to represent the experiences that have been most meaningful for them while at True North. They are asked to record particularly noteworthy achievements, skills and relationships, as well as metaphors and assignments that have been especially helpful. Their portfolio will include short and long-term goals, a summary of new strategies that contribute to their success and satisfaction and continuing concerns and personal issues that still require attention. This portfolio is a document that students will take with them as they move on to school or return home; a concrete reminder of their wilderness experience to help keep them on track and help others around them learn more about the approaches and experiences that have been successful for them.
Legacy Project
Each student will complete a project of their own design as part of the transition process. The legacy project allows students who have progressed in the program to pursue a personal interest in the context of giving back to their community. The legacy project also allows students to individualize their True North experience and to leave behind a concrete reminder of their personal investment and success that will inspire future students. True North legacy projects are as diverse and interesting as our students and have included the design and building of a bird sanctuary, as well as the creation of a greenhouse that will allow future True North students to plant the seeds for the summer garden in early spring.
We believe that empowering young people to take responsibility for their own success helps them to internalize the motivation and life-skills necessary to reach their goals for the rest of their lives. Giving students the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions in a positive way contributes to increased self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose. Helping them to develop and utilize systems and tools to realize their potential is a vital part of the intervention and transition process.
We have continued to develop our alumni services so that students and families can stay in touch with our staff and the program as well as maintain the relationships they have made with each other. Special alumni events and resources provide additional support during and after the transition process. Many students express a desire to stay connected to the place where they discovered or reconnected with their full potential. True North can offer them a lifeline to an experience that will help them to continue their success at school, at home, in the future.
